from Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News,

"Hopefully, these younger players we have on our team now play a bigger role next year," Yzerman said. "Maybe one or two of our younger players, whether they were in Grand Rapids or coming from somewhere else, push into the team. We'll slowly add to it and do the best we can to fill our roster.

"I like to believe every player comes to training camp, regardless of whether they were invited or a first-round pick, all have in their heart that they're going to make the team. They have a hope and drive that, 'I'm going to play well enough and show them enough that I have a chance to make the team.'"

Here are 10 of the young prospects...

Cross Hanas, forward: All told, Hanas likely surpassed some expectations in Grand Rapids, with 17 points (nine goals, eight assists) in 30 games before suffering a season-ending injury.

The 2020 second-round draft pick parlayed a summer of physical training into looking like a potential NHL winger with some size and the ability to score goals....

Albert Johansson, defenseman: Much of the attention in Grand Rapids was focused on Edvinsson, but Albert Johansson, arguably, was more consistent through the entirety of the season.

Johansson, 22, in his rookie AHL season, had 15 points (five goals, 10 assists) in 53 games and looked poised beyond his years....

Eemil Viro, defenseman: Because of a crowded roster in Grand Rapids, Viro found himself in Toledo (ECHL) late in the season, and that's when Viro wound up playing some of his best hockey.

In 53 games between the two teams, Viro (2020, third-round pick) had 11 points (one goal, 10 assists) and showed the type of grit and skating ability that could make him an NHL player in the future.

"The biggest things for him are strength and the overall maturity of his game," Horcoff said. "They're going to continue to grow. We're very happy with the way he finished his season."...

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